U.S. patent application number 17/348571 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-21 for electrical catheter.
This patent application is currently assigned to MicroVention, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is MicroVention, Inc.. Invention is credited to Heath Bowman, Kaushik Joshi, Parker Milhous.
Application Number | 20210322724 17/348571 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005684876 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210322724 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Milhous; Parker ; et
al. |
October 21, 2021 |
Electrical Catheter
Abstract
A powered catheter and/or powered catheter system is described.
The catheter includes a catheter hub with one set of contact
components that are configured to connect to a mating cable with a
corresponding second set of contact components. The mating cable
can be part of another device, such as a controller or power
source.
Inventors: |
Milhous; Parker; (Aliso
Viejo, CA) ; Bowman; Heath; (Aliso Viejo, CA)
; Joshi; Kaushik; (Aliso Viejo, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MicroVention, Inc. |
Aliso Viejo |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MicroVention, Inc.
Aliso Viejo
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000005684876 |
Appl. No.: |
17/348571 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15901720 |
Feb 21, 2018 |
11083872 |
|
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17348571 |
|
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62461673 |
Feb 21, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 18/08 20130101;
A61B 18/1492 20130101; A61M 2205/8206 20130101; A61M 2205/52
20130101; A61M 39/10 20130101; A61B 2018/00178 20130101; A61M
25/0097 20130101; A61M 2039/1022 20130101; A61M 2205/0272
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 25/00 20060101
A61M025/00; A61M 39/10 20060101 A61M039/10; A61B 18/14 20060101
A61B018/14; A61B 18/08 20060101 A61B018/08 |
Claims
1. A catheter system comprising: a catheter hub having a hub body
configured to connect to a catheter; a hub passage extending
longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end of the hub
body and configured to connect to a catheter passage in the
catheter, so as to create a continuous passage through the catheter
hub and the catheter; and a catheter connector assembly located on
a side of the catheter hub adjacent to the hub passage, the
catheter connector assembly comprising one or more hub electrical
contacts that are in electrical communication with a distal end of
the catheter hub and configured to electrically connect to the
catheter.
2. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the catheter connection
assembly is oriented laterally and distally relative to the hub
passage.
3. The catheter system of claim 2, wherein the catheter hub
comprises a hollow portion comprising a plurality of wires
connecting the one or more hub electrical contacts at the distal
end of the catheter hub.
4. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the side of the catheter
hub forms a first wall and a second wall positioned adjacent to the
catheter connector assembly.
5. The catheter system of claim 4, wherein the side of the catheter
hub forms a third wall positioned adjacent to the catheter
connector assembly.
6. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the catheter connector
assembly further comprises a magnetic attachment mechanism
including a horizontally-facing magnet and a vertically-facing
magnet.
7. The catheter system of claim 6, further comprising a vertical
ridge positioned adjacent to the vertically-facing magnet.
8. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the
catheter hub comprises a tip with a plurality of electrical
contacts that are configured to electrically connect with a
catheter when a proximal end of the catheter is placed over the
tip.
9. The catheter system of claim 1, further comprising a catheter
connected to the distal end of the catheter hub; the catheter
comprising a tubular structure connected to the hub passage.
10. The catheter system of claim 9, wherein the catheter further
comprises a braided structural layer configured to communicate with
one or more electrically powered components at a distal end of the
catheter.
11. A catheter system comprising: an elongated catheter having a
catheter passage extending between a proximal end of the catheter
and a distal end of the catheter; a catheter hub having a hub body
connected to the elongated catheter; a hub passage extending
longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end of the hub
body, and connecting to the catheter passage so as to form a
continuous passage to deliver a therapeutic agent to a treatment
site; and a catheter connector assembly located on the catheter
hub, the catheter connector assembly comprising one or more hub
electrical contacts that are in electrical communication with the
elongated catheter.
12. The catheter system of claim 11, wherein the catheter
connection assembly is oriented laterally and distally relative to
the hub passage.
13. The catheter system of claim 12, wherein the catheter hub
comprises a hollow portion comprising a plurality of wires
connecting the one or more hub electrical contacts at the distal
end of the catheter hub.
14. The catheter system of claim 11, wherein a side of the catheter
hub forms a first wall and a second wall positioned adjacent to the
catheter connector assembly.
15. The catheter system of claim 14, wherein a side of the catheter
hub forms a third wall positioned adjacent to the catheter
connector assembly.
16. The catheter system of claim 11, wherein the catheter connector
assembly further comprises a magnetic attachment mechanism
including a horizontally-facing magnet and a vertically-facing
magnet.
17. The catheter system of claim 16, further comprising a vertical
ridge positioned adjacent to the vertically-facing magnet.
18. The catheter system of claim 11, wherein the distal end of the
catheter hub comprises a tip with a plurality of electrical
contacts that are configured to electrically connect with a
catheter when a proximal end of the catheter is placed over the
tip.
19. A catheter system comprising: a catheter having a catheter
passage extending therethrough; a catheter hub having a hub body; a
hub passage extending longitudinally between a proximal end and a
distal end of the hub body, and connecting to the catheter passage;
a catheter having a tubular shape with a proximal end connected to
the distal end of the hub body; a catheter connector assembly
located on the catheter hub, laterally adjacent to the hub passage,
the catheter connector assembly comprising one or more hub
electrical contacts that are in electrical communication with a
distal end of the catheter hub and with the catheter, the catheter
connector assembly being configured to connect to an interface
connector assembly and orient the interface connector assembly
laterally away from the hub passage.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/901,720 filed Feb. 21, 2018
entitled electrical Catheter, which claims benefit of and priority
to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/461,673 filed Feb. 21,
2017 entitled Electrical Catheter, both of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Catheters are utilized in many interventional procedures as
a conduit used to deliver a variety of therapeutic agents such as
medical devices to a treatment site. While some catheters are
configured as simple tubular conduits that passively deliver
therapeutic agents and/or devices, other catheters are further
configured with components requiring electrical power.
[0003] For example U.S. Pub. No. 2016/0345904, which is hereby
incorporated by reference, discloses a catheter having one or more
sensors and related circuitry at its distal end. These sensors can
include pressure or temperature sensors, among others, for
measuring conditions within a patient's vascular system. The body
of the catheter is constructed with a layer of braided wires, some
of which are used to conduct electrical current between the sensors
and a proximal end of the catheter.
[0004] In another example U.S. Pub. No. 2015/0173773, which is
hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a catheter with various
electrical mechanisms for detaching a distal end of a catheter. In
one embodiment, electrical wires within the catheter body supply
electrical current to heater coils located near the catheter's
distal end. When current is supplied, the heater coils activate to
melt or break a portion of the catheter and releasing its distal
end.
[0005] In yet another example U.S. Pat. No. 9,808,599, which is
hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a catheter having
electrical contacts within the interior passage of the catheter.
Electrical current can be delivered to these contacts to cause a
segmented implant within the catheter to separate or a bimetal
guidewire to curve in a specific direction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one embodiment, a powered catheter and/or powered
catheter system is described. The catheter includes a catheter hub
with one set of contact components that are configured to connect
to a mating cable with a corresponding second set of contact
components. The mating cable can be part of another device, such as
a controller or power source.
[0007] In one embodiment, a powered catheter and/or powered
catheter system is described. The catheter includes a catheter hub
with one set of contact components, and a number of wires connected
to the catheter hub which connect to a distal portion of the
catheter. The catheter hub contact components are configured for
connection to a mating cable with a corresponding second set of
contact components. The mating cable can be part of another device,
such as a controller or power source. The interface between the
mating cable and the catheter hub can be used to transfer current,
signals, and/or or data from the device which the mating cable is
connected to a distal portion of the catheter.
[0008] In one embodiment, a data transfer system is described which
enables communication between a catheter and an external device.
The catheter includes a hub with a first set of contact components.
The data transfer system includes a mating cable with a second set
of contacts; the mating cable connects the external device to the
catheter hub and allows a signal or data to pass between the
catheter hub and the external device. The catheter can include
wires to transfer the signal or data from the catheter hub to
another portion of the catheter.
[0009] In one embodiment, a powered catheter hub is described. The
powered catheter hub includes one or more contact components.
[0010] In one embodiment, a powered catheter and/or powered
catheter system is described. The powered catheter includes a
catheter hub with one or more contact components, and one or more
wires connected to the catheter hub which are configured to carry
data or a signal from the catheter hub to another portion of the
catheter.
[0011] In one embodiment, a detachment system for a therapeutic
device (e.g. embolic coils) is described. The detachment system
includes an external grip assembly. A mating cable connects the
external grip assembly to a catheter hub, where the catheter hub
and mating cable are each configured with contacts such that
signals or data are transferred between the external grip assembly
and the catheter hub. A series of wires are connected to the
catheter hub such that data or signals can be transferred from the
catheter hub to a distal portion of the catheter. The proximal end
of a therapeutic device can be placed within the external grip
assembly, and the external grip assembly can communicate with a
distal portion of the catheter to convey a detachment sequence in
order to detach a portion of the therapeutic device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] These and other aspects, features and advantages of which
embodiments of the invention are capable of will be apparent and
elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the
present invention, reference being made to the accompanying
drawings, in which
[0013] FIG. 1 is a catheter hub with a connection assembly
according to the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a catheter hub with a connection assembly
according to the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a catheter hub with a connection assembly
according to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a catheter hub with a connection assembly
according to the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a catheter hub with a connection assembly
according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a catheter hub with a connection assembly
according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a catheter connection assembly according to the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a catheter connection assembly according to the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 9 is an interface connection assembly according to the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 10 is an interface connection assembly according to the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a catheter hub with a connection assembly
according to the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a catheter hub with a connection assembly
according to the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a catheter hub with a connection assembly
according to the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 14 an interface connection assembly according to the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a catheter hub with a connection assembly
according to the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a catheter hub with a connection assembly
according to the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 17 is a catheter hub with a connection assembly
according to the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a catheter hub with a connection assembly
according to the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a catheter hub with a connection assembly
according to the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a catheter hub with a connection assembly
according to the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 21 is an interface connector assembly according to the
present invention.
[0034] FIG. 22 is an interface connector assembly according to the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 23 is an interface connector assembly according to the
present invention.
[0036] FIG. 24 is an interface connector assembly according to the
present invention.
[0037] FIG. 25 is an interface connector assembly according to the
present invention.
[0038] FIG. 26 is an interface connector assembly according to the
present invention.
[0039] FIG. 27 is an interface connector assembly according to the
present invention.
[0040] FIG. 28 is an interface connector assembly according to the
present invention.
[0041] FIG. 29 is an interface connector assembly according to the
present invention.
[0042] FIG. 30 is an interface connector assembly according to the
present invention.
[0043] FIG. 31 is an interface connector assembly according to the
present invention.
[0044] FIG. 32 is an interface connector assembly according to the
present invention.
[0045] FIG. 33 is a view of a computer system configured to
interact with an interface connector assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0046] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the
detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the
accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the
invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like
elements.
[0047] Catheters are utilized in many interventional procedures as
a conduit used to deliver a variety of therapeutic agents such as
medical devices to a treatment site. While some catheters are
configured as simple tubular conduits that passively deliver
therapeutic agents and/or devices, other catheters are further
configured with components requiring electrical power.
[0048] The following embodiments are directed to a system for
conveying power and/or data between a catheter and a power
interface. This system can allow for a variety of different
catheter functionalities, including electrically interacting with
therapeutic devices delivered through said catheter, providing
imaging, or providing sensor information about a treatment
area.
[0049] Since catheters are often used in interventional procedures,
fluids such as blood and saline can be present. Since liquid
exposure can affect or otherwise interrupt a circuit path, it is
important to isolate the electrically conductive components.
However, catheters are typically connected to a power/data
interface either prior to or during a procedure, and therefore
should include an electrical connector that is both easy to use and
that resists fluid infiltration to its electrical contacts. The
following embodiments address these issues. It should be further
noted that while several different embodiments are described below,
individual features of these components can also be used on other
disclosed embodiments. In other words, each of the individual
features described can be mixed and matched on any of the various
embodiments.
[0050] FIG. 1 illustrates an electrical catheter system 100 that
conveys electrical current and/or data between an electrical
interface 110 and a catheter 104. The electrical interface 110
includes a wire 125 that terminates with an interface connector
assembly 108, which in turn connects to a catheter connector
assembly 106 on a catheter hub 102, allowing the power/data
exchange with the hub 10. Wires 120 (FIG. 5) in the hub 102 are
connected to an electrical path within the body of the catheter
104, allowing for the electrical interface 110 to convey power/data
to the distal end of the catheter 104.
[0051] As described further in this specification, the interface
connector assembly 108 and catheter connector assembly 106 may
include magnetic attachment mechanisms, frictional/mechanical
attachment mechanisms, or combinations of both. The embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1-10 illustrates a primarily magnetic attachment
mechanism. Specifically, the catheter connector assembly 106
includes two horizontally-facing magnets 112 and a single
vertically-facing magnet 113 (seen in FIGS. 2-3). The interface
connector assembly 108 (seen in FIGS. 9-10) similarly includes two
horizontally-facing magnets 115 and a vertically-facing magnet 123.
The spacing and orientation of the magnets 115, 123 is the same as
magnets 112, 113, allowing the magnets to align and contact each
other. If the magnets 112, 113 have opposite facing polarities to
magnets 115, 123, they will magnetically engage each other with
sufficient force to resist fluid penetration. While this
specification refers to both the interface and catheter connector
assemblies 108, 106 as having magnets, it should be understood that
each corresponding magnet pair (e.g., magnets 113 and 123) can
alternately be composed of only one magnet and one ferrous metal,
which similarly provide magnetic attraction.
[0052] As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the catheter connector
assembly 106 is recessed relative to the top surface of the
catheter hub 102, creating a backstop or backwall 118 that the
interface connector assembly 108 is positioned against. In one
embodiment, the interface connector assembly 108 has a thickness
that renders it relatively flush with the top surface of the
catheter hub 104.
[0053] In the present embodiment, the catheter connector assembly
106 only includes a single sidewall adjacent to the backwall 118.
To help prevent the interface connector assembly 108 from sliding
sideways (i.e., to the left when facing the backwall 118), the
lower vertical surface of the catheter connector assembly 106
includes two vertical ridges 116 on either side of the magnet 113.
These ridges 116 mate with two similarly sized/positioned grooves
121 within an elevated portion 119 of the interface connector
assembly 108. Optionally, these grooves 121 can be sized and
otherwise configured to provide some friction with the ridges 116
when engaged to help frictionally retain the interface connector
assembly 108 on the catheter connector assembly 106.
[0054] When the interface connector assembly 108 is properly
connected to the catheter connector assembly 106, a plurality of
catheter electrical contacts 114 are aligned and put into contact
with a plurality of interface electrical contacts 117. The present
embodiment depicts four contacts 114 that contact another four
contacts 117 to exchange power and/or data signals between the
catheter 104 and the interface 110. However, other numbers of
contacts on each assembly 106,108 are also possible, depending on
the functionality of the catheter 104. For example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, and 18 individual contacts are possible.
[0055] As seen best in FIGS. 5 and 8, the catheter connector
assembly 106 includes a plurality of rear, internal electrical
contacts 126 that are in electrical communication with contacts
114. A plurality of wires 120 are individually connected to those
rear internal contacts 126 and extend through the hub 102
(optionally within the wall of the hub passage 102A) and into the
catheter 104.
[0056] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the wires 120 extend
within the wall of the catheter 104 to its distal end, connecting
to electrically powered components 158 (e.g., a heater coil,
sensors, etc.). In another embodiment shown in FIG. 17 and the
magnified view of FIG. 18, each of the wires 120 are electrically
connected to a conductive band 157 that is located within the wall
of the catheter. The conductive bands 157 can be tubular structures
that completely or partially encircle the catheter 104. Each band
157 is then electrically connected to one or more wires of a
braided structural layer 159 within the wall of the catheter 104.
These braided wires of the braided structural layer 159 are
ultimately connected to one or more of the distal electrically
powered components 158 (e.g., a heater coil, sensors, etc.) and
provide electrical communication between the proximal and distal
ends of the catheter. Additional details of using the braided
structural layer of a catheter for conveying power and data can be
found in U.S. Pub. No. 20160345904 which is hereby incorporated by
reference. Additional details of electrically powered components
can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,808,599, U.S. Pub. No.
2015/0173773, and 2016/0345904; all of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
[0057] As discussed above, the powered catheter hub can be used as
part of a broader electrical communication system enabling
communication between an external interface connected 110 to the
catheter hub via interface connector 108, and a distal end of the
catheter. For example, the distal end of the catheter can include a
pair of polarized contacts which electrically interact with an
implant (e.g., embolic coil) delivery system. External interface
110 can include a battery which provides the voltage source and
connects to the polarized contacts on the catheter through the
interface connector 108 and catheter connector 106. The embolic
coil delivery system includes a pair of conductive sleeves which
align with the polarized catheter contacts to complete a circuit,
thereby supplying current to a heater on the coil pusher to detach
the coil from the coil pusher. Where four catheter connector
contacts 114 and four corresponding interface connector contacts
117 are used, two contacts can be used for the positive and
negative DC battery source leaving two additional contacts either
for redundancy, or to power another distal catheter system (e.g.,
imaging system, pressure or temperature monitoring, ablation
system, etc.), or as a feedback loop to confirm that detachment has
taken place. In this way, the multiple contacts allow for multiple
catheter processes to take place, or alternatively allow for
redundancy to guard against failure, or allow for confirmation via
a feedback loop. Obviously, more contacts (e.g., more than 4
contacts) would facilitate more catheter operations or more
redundancy. Though this example primarily highlighted an
illustrative concept for an embolic coil detachment system, various
other catheter operations (e.g., imaging, pressure/temperature
sensing, ablation, cooling, measurement, detachment system for
detaching the distal tip of the catheter, etc.) are also possible.
In various other examples, two of the connector contact points can
provide electrical communication for current, data, or signals
while two of the other connector contacts points can act like a
capacitor for various purposes (e.g., low power sensing).
Additionally, the two distal catheter contacts can further be
combined with a distal capacitor system for a catheter-mounted low
power sensing application.
[0058] In other examples, external interface 110 is a broader
computing system or "brain" that computationally sends signals to a
distal portion of the catheter or interprets received signals from
the distal portion of the catheter. For example, the external
interface 110 could be used to send acoustic signals outside of the
catheter to then recreate and display an image of the target
therapeutic area based on recreating an image from the received
acoustic signals. For another example, the external interface or
"brain" would use resistance or other measurements to determine
when an embolic coil detachment contacts are aligned correctly with
the catheter's contacts, convey a signal (e.g., a light) to the
user, and the user would take an action (e.g., press a button) on
the external interface to send an impulse to the distal end of the
catheter to detach the coil.
[0059] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the hub 102
and catheter 104 can have a standardize electrical connection
assembly 133. More specifically, the wires 120 connect to a
plurality of tubular electrical contacts 135 on the distal end 102C
of the hub 102. Similarly, the catheter 104 also includes a
plurality of tubular electrical contacts 137 within its inner
passage that are positioned to align with contacts 135. Thus, when
the proximal end of the catheter 104 is placed over the distal end
102C of the hub 102, the contacts 135 and 137 contact each other
and establish an electrical communication between the distal
electrically powered components 158 (via the braided structural
layer 159) and the hub 102. The numbering and positioning of the
contacts 137, 137 can be standardized such that the hub 102 can be
used with a variety of catheters with different electrically
powered components 159. Optionally, the hub 102 may further include
circuitry that communicates a unique identification (e.g., a serial
number) that can be used for tracking and inventory purposes, as
described elsewhere in this specification.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 4-8, the hub 102 of the present
embodiment can have a generally hollow body, allowing the catheter
connector assembly 106 to be connected to the hub 102 as a
separate, discrete component to facilitate the manufacturing
process (note, these figures illustrate the hub 102 with a bottom
panel removed just for illustration purposes so the catheter
connector assembly 106 can be seen more clearly). For example, the
body of the hub 102 can include a recessed area 1026 in a side wall
that can engage a groove 124 adjacent the backwall 118 of the
catheter connector assembly 106. Alternately, the hub 102 can be a
single, solid, unitary component (except for the hub passage 102A).
For example, such a hub could be created via injection molding
around the wires 120 in an injection molding mold, or designing a
mold with wire passages positioned within it. The shape of the
catheter connector assembly 106 can be either part of the mold or
attached to the hub after the molding process.
[0061] The catheter connector assembly 106 can be located at a
number of positions on the catheter hub. For example, FIG. 11
illustrates a catheter hub 130 in which the catheter connector
assembly 106 is positioned further distally relative to the
prior-described catheter hub 102. Since the catheter connector
assembly 106 is recessed relative to the top planar surface of the
hub 130, the distal positioning creates a proximal sidewall portion
130A. Hence, the interface connector assembly 108 is provided
lateral support from both sides when connected to the catheter
connector assembly 106.
[0062] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another embodiment of a catheter
hub 140 that has a generally rounded body shape and a catheter
connector assembly 142 that is positioned on a top surface of the
hub 140. Unlike the prior assembly 106, the present assembly 142 is
not substantially recessed and includes generally horizontal
surfaces for connection purposes. Hence, the assembly 142 only
includes two magnets 112 on either end of the electrical contacts
114 that mate with similarly positioned magnets 115 and electrical
contacts 114 on the interface connector assembly 146, seen in FIGS.
13-14. Further, to help prevent entry of fluid during a procedure,
the catheter connector assembly 142 includes a depression or
channel 141 that extends entirely around the perimeter of the
assembly. Optionally, as seen in the bottom view of the interface
connector assembly 146 in FIG. 14, a ridge or resilient seal 145
can be included to mate with the channel 141 when connected.
[0063] FIG. 15 illustrates a catheter hub 150 that has a curved
body style similar to the hub 140 of FIGS. 12 and 13, but further
includes a recessed catheter connector assembly 106 similar to that
of FIGS. 1-10.
[0064] While the electrical contacts on either the interface
connector assembly or the catheter connector assembly can be flat,
either of these contacts can also be raised. For example, FIG. 21
illustrates an interface connector assembly 160 that has electrical
contacts 162 that are triangular or upwardly "pointed" to help
ensure physical contact. In another embodiment, the contacts can
have a raised, curve shape to provide some spring force to further
facilitate contact. In another example, FIG. 26 illustrates a
catheter connector assembly 190 having a plurality of recessed,
rectangular electrical contacts 191 and an interface connector
assembly 192 having a plurality of raised, rectangular electrical
contacts 193. Any contact interface shapes or types known in the
connector art, including those utilized in USB-type communication
systems can be used to facilitate communication between the
catheter connector assembly 106 and the interface connector
assembly 108. To this end, catheter connector assembly contacts 114
and interface connector assembly 117 can utilize male
projecting/female receiving data connection interfaces, or various
pin connector concepts such as spring-pins, etc.
[0065] The magnets of the interface connector assembly and/or the
catheter connector assembly can be flat, an elevated shape, or a
depressed shape. For example, FIG. 22 illustrates an interface
connector assembly 170 in which the magnets 172 have a raised,
rounded shape, while FIG. 23 depicts an interface connector
assembly 174 having depressed or downwardly rounded magnets 176.
Preferably, the catheter connector assembly includes magnets or
ferrous material having an opposite shape to allow the structures
to mate to each other.
[0066] The catheter connector assembly and the interface connector
assembly can include structures that frictionally engage each
other, either in addition to the magnets or instead of the magnets.
For example, FIG. 24 or 25 illustrate a catheter connector assembly
180/186 having four cylindrical posts 181 positioned near the
magnets 112. Corresponding holes 183 on the interface connector
assembly 182/188 are sized to accept the posts 181 and provide
frictional engagement. While cylindrical posts are illustrated,
other shapes are possible, such as triangular, rectangular, or
hexagonal.
[0067] In addition to the use of magnets and/or fictional
engagement structures, other connector shapes can additional be
used to help prevent fluid from reaching the electrical contacts.
For example, FIG. 27 illustrates a catheter connector assembly 194
with a single elongated channel 195 extending along the length of
both the contacts 114 and magnets 112. A raised ridge 197 on the
interface connector assembly 196 may also be included to mate with
the channel 195 and further seal the connectors. FIG. 28
illustrates a similar embodiment that includes a catheter connector
assembly 200 having a "C" shaped channel 201 and an interface
connector assembly 202 having a corresponding "C" ridge 204 that
mates with the channel 201.
[0068] FIG. 29 illustrates a catheter connector assembly 210 having
a generally rectangular, raised shape 211, while an interface
connector assembly 212 includes a rectangular depressed region 213
that fits over the raised shape 211. The rectangular, raised shape
211 elevates the contacts 114 to minimize fluid infiltration during
a procedure. FIG. 30 illustrates a similar, raised catheter
connector assembly 220 having downwardly-angled sides 221 and an
interface connector assembly 212 having a depression with similar,
mating, angled sides. Again, this shape helps elevate the contacts
114 to prevent fluid infiltration and provides a sloped surface to
move fluid away from the contacts 114 during a procedure.
Alternatively, only one side of the catheter connector assembly is
sloped--for instance, only the side of the connector closer to the
outward edge of the catheter hub is sloped in order to move fluid
away from the connector assembly/catheter hub body.
[0069] In another embodiment, a hydrophobic coating can be applied
to the regions surrounding the electrical contacts and the magnets
to help repel the ingress of fluid. For example, such a coating may
include composite/nano-composite materials such as manganese oxide
polystyrene, zinc oxide polystyrene, silica or fluoropolymer
coatings. Such a coating may also include polymeric materials such
as heptadecafluorohexyl-trimethoxysilane, polyhexafluoropropylene,
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); these polymeric coatings may be
further engineered or chemically altered to further augment their
hydrophobic properties.
[0070] To further prevent the intrusion of fluid on the electrical
contacts, the hub 102 may also include a cover 240 that is attached
to the body of the hub 102 via a retaining filament 242, as seen in
FIG. 32. Depending on the shape, the cover 240 may include various
detents, channels, ridges, magnets, or other mechanisms to provide
a retaining force. The catheter can be shipped with the cover to
preserve electrical integrity during shipment. This cover could
then be detached to facilitate electrical attachment, and later
replaced over the connector assembly once the catheter's electrical
connection functionality is no longer in use to help preserve the
electrical integrity of the connector.
[0071] As previously discussed with regard to FIGS. 19 and 20, the
standardized electrical connection assembly 133 can be used to
track data from the catheter 102 (e.g., via a serial number or
similar identification code). Specifically, as seen in FIG. 33, the
universal connector 310 can connect the catheter, sensors, heater,
and power 320 to computer/cloud servers 300 to store in a database.
Once in a database, the use of the catheter can be logged,
recorded, and analyzed; stored in a catheter data collection 302,
inventory 304, logging 306, and packing/shipping 308. Additionally,
this system can be used to provide personalized patient
information, where the external interface contains patient-specific
data and the catheter system can utilize this patient specific data
to perform a targeted procedure tailored to the patient. This data
can be stored in the external interface, or the catheter connector
can further contain a data receiving disk slot which the physician
can use to input a disk or data interface containing targeted
information about the patient, catheter, inventory, or other data
type. Other variations of the catheter connector concept can
utilize a wireless telemetry system where the catheter hub and
external interface utilize wireless systems to communicate with
each other.
[0072] Although the invention has been described in terms of
particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in
the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional
embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of
or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is
to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are
proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the
invention and should not be construed to limit the scope
thereof.
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